LLJune08

As I write there are delicious smells coming from the church kitchen as Robin Griffiths, Harmony Thayer, Myrna Rafalovich and Amy Marsh prepare for our African dinner tomorrow evening. We expect a good turnout and a great evening. I need to make sure the VHS player and TV are working right. Our involvement with the MaaSae Girls Lutheran Secondary School (MGLSS) in Monduli, Tanzania is an ongoing delight.

A few days ago I received a letter for Vailet Ngimba, the head of the English department, who apologized that the continuing education program for the faculty in English usage was off to a slow start. One reason was her maternity leave! They plan to do better in the coming term. Marvin Kannanen, Pam’s friend and a Lutheran missionary teacher at the school, called two days later, as he and wife Jean were preparing to return home to Monduli. It looks like he will become main teacher for the program. That is excellent news. I will post Mrs. Ngimba’s letter, which will help anyone understand how important improving English is for the future of the school and its students. We are doing a very good and creative thing to be helping them in this way.

Like some of the faculty at MGLSS, I am often reluctant to address my weaknesses. It is easier to make light of them, and simply carry on. And there is much to be said for simply carrying on. But God will sometimes light a fire under me, as is happening for some faculty at MGLSS, and compel me to pay attention and work harder and smarter. God is not content for me, or any of us, to rest easy in the safe and familiar.

God will send new challenges, new opportunities, new teachers into all of our lives from time to time. God’s purpose is not simply to save us from hell, but to bring us to the “full stature” of Christ, to be our own best selves.

I pray that this summer brings you opportunities for rest and renewal, and that it also brings you chances to examine your life, to find ways to continue your own education in whatever ways you feel called by God. That may involve improving your skills in your daily work, as is happening for the teachers in Monduli, or it may involve your inner life of prayer, or it may involve your relationships with others.

St. Luke’s can help with some kinds of skill building, through the counsel of the clergy, through Bible classes and prayer gatherings and Sunday liturgy, through the Library and Book Store, and through engaging with others in various ministries. Feel free to use these resources. There are many more opportunities for skill building beyond the parish.

For me, summer brings a combination of serving and learning as I attend two conferences. The first is a global mission gathering for Episcopalians, an abiding commitment for both Pam and me. The second is the annual conference of the National Network of Episcopal Clergy Associations, which challenges the clergy to be continually growing in their skill and devotion. Pam and I will also have vacation time with my brother Joe, his wife and 12 year old grandson. I’ll be away three Sundays, with Fr. Randel and Fr. Tom Murphy covering for me.

May God bless you in your own journeys this summer. Remember that the Church needs your presence at worship all summer, whether at home at St. Luke’s, or on the road.

FOR ADULTS:

WEDNESDAY MORNINGS
Deacon Joani’s Wednesday morning Bible study will meet on at 10:00am in the Guild Room. Joani and the group are working their way through the Bible. All are welcome.

Deacon Joani’s Bible Study Group

Members of Deacon Joani’s weekly Bible Study group had a slight interruption on Wednesday, May 21st. Fr. Boston asked them to join him in blessing a prayer shawl knitted by Durfee Bedsole, a recent transplant from Marshall, Texas where she was a member of the shawl prayer ministry at Trinity Episcopal Church. After moving to Grants Pass in March 2007, Durfee found her knitting bag with enough yarn to knit another shawl for someone needing the comfort that the shawls give and represent. She asked Fr. Jim if he would bless it for her. With holy Water and Prayer Book in hand he started the weekly meeting with a serious and befitting ceremony. Now Durfee’s friend Margaret, who with her husband Wallace is raising 4 great-grandchildren, can sit back and enjoy the shawl and the prayers sent by Durfee and the members of St Luke’s in Grants Pass. After the blessing, the group returned to business as usual to discuss the myriad of dramatic and sordid plots and subplots found in the Apocrypha.

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS
The group will be starting on I Corinthians on Wednesday, May 28. The group meets at the home of Al & Lucille Fitchell, 1258 Ironwood Cir, Grants Pass. If you need directions, you can call them at 541- 955-4623. New comers are welcome.

IMPORTANT UPCOMING EVENTS

June 8                          Book Store Book Sale
June 26 – 28                Province VIII Conference – This years title:
“The Greatest Stories Ever Told”
                                    Monarch Hotel & Conference Center, Clackamas
June 29                                    Bishop’s Visitation
July 20                         Church BBQ

UPCOMING REGIONAL CAMPS AND RETREATS

Grand camp is a great place for grandparents and grandkids to bond and discover the outdoors together.

June 20-22                   Grand Camp I - Camp Magruder (Oregon Coast)
June 27-29                   Grand Camp -     Camp Sawtooth (Idaho)
July 18-20                   Grand Camp -     Camp Latgawa (Southern Oregon)
August 22-24               Grand Camp II - Camp Magruder (Oregon Coast)

Quilting & Needlework camp is a great place to perfect and work on a craft while refreshing you body and spirit with others who enjoy working with their hands.

October 17-19 Quilting/Needlework Camp Session I - Camp Latgawa
October 19-22 Quilting/Needlework Camp Session II - Camp Latgawa

For more information on these and other camps and retreats, go to www.gocamping.org, or contact Jean in the office.

TRACTS IN OUR NATHEX

Stop by the Narthex as you enter or leave the Church and check out the new items in the Tract Rack. You’ll also see other leaflets about church history, personal spirituality, and practical aspects of living the Christian faith. Some will answer questions about the Episcopal Church, some will address Christian marriage and parenting and others are suitable for giving to someone in the hospital or may be going through difficult times. Help yourself. Suggested prices are marked on each and you may leave your contribution in the labeled basket.

FROM OUR PARISH NURSE

Francis Osborne

CHILDREN AND FOOD

                Chubby, husky, big bones, the list of euphemisms for overweight goes on and on. The list is almost as long as the number of excuses for why your child may be overweight.
Obesity is the number one health issue in the United States and in most of the industrial world. It leads to so many problems in adult life and it starts in infancy and childhood with poor eating habits.
            For the sake of your children and yourselves you need to teach your children and yourselves good nutrition habits and you should do that by example. Set a good example, eat a well balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Get more exercise; get out from in front of the TV and computer.
            First rule is to make changes in small steps, it is not a race. Small changes are easier to make. Set individual and family goals, such as turning off the TV during dinner or buying small bags of microwave popcorn instead of the large size. Goals need to be small and achievable
            Create a healthy food environment with lots of fruits and healthy snacks available. Leave the chips and ice cream at the store. Offer your children apples and raw vegetables instead. Encourage them to drink more water, less soda and fruit juice. Organize family activities such as going for a walk or bike ride. Limit TV and computer time. Include children in chores.
Most important, is a role model. Eat healthy, get exercise stay off the computer or get out from in front of the TV. Children will notice and they will follow your example. It may take awhile but soon your children will no longer be referred to as “chubby or husky” They will be referred to as “healthy or athletic”.

FROM THE ALTAR GUILD

Thank you to all who signed up for flowers and Sanctuary candles for 2007. The 2008 flower calendar is on the door to the Parish Hall. If you would like to give flowers for an anniversary, birthday, thanksgiving, or other remembrances, please sign on the date you would like to give flowers. The cost for is $35.00 and for candles is $5.00. Please call the office at 476-2493 so that it may be noted in the Sunday Bulletin.

AVAILABLE DATES ON SIGN UP SHEETS
Sign up sheets for Coffee Hour and Sanctuary Candles are on the kitchen door.
Flower Chart sheet is on the Parish Hall door.

Candles:            June 1 & 29

Flowers:             August 3
                           November 2 & 16

Coffee:   8:30    June 8, 15, 29           July 6, 27
              10:30    June 8, 15, 29           July 6, 13, 20, 27

Coffee Hour is a wonderful way to meet new members of the Parish as well as see those we already know. It is also a great time to celebrate an anniversary or birthday. Cookies and coffee are always tasty and good and the celebration does not need to be elaborate.

St. Luke’s is please to welcome its newest members:

Zander Ray and Isaiah Lawrence Porzio were born May 7 to Leah
Rafolovich and Jon Porzio. Zander was 5 lbs. 13 oz. and his brother Isaiah was 6 lbs. 11 oz. The proud grandparents are Bob & Myrna Rafolovich.

Haley Aurora Rood was born May 13 at Providence Hospital to
Jennifer and Robert. She was a healthy 8 lbs. 1 oz. and 19.25 inches long. Her Baptism is at the 10:30 service on Sunday, June 1.

St. Luke’s is one of seventy-seven churches belonging to the Episcopal Diocese of Oregon. The Diocese of Oregon has over 22,000 members and is spread across 15 counties covering 48,000 square miles. The Diocese of Oregon “Strives or renewal and transformation through discipleship, mission, and evangelism.”

Currently, the diocese is going through some transition while trying to find a new permanent bishop. In the interim, Bishop “Sandy” Hampton , retired Suffragan Bishop of Minnesota will be filling in. The diocese is beginning the process toward the election of a new diocesan bishop. The Standing Committee appoint Search and Transition Committees in the Fall.
Part of that process is a time of discernment about our diocese. The Rev. Rob Voyle will lead the dioceses through Appreciative Inquiry training that builds upon the work of Holy Conversations and our Vision Statement. In the next months, you’ll be hearing about and offered an opportunity to participate in this endeavor.

Please prayer for the dioceses during their time of transition, and also keep Bishop Itty and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

A Prayer for a Time of Transition

Almighty God, we pray that the power of Christ’s love may be present in our lives as we, the people of the Episcopal Diocese of Oregon, enter a time of prayerful discernment and transition to new leadership. May the Holy Spirit illumine the hearts and minds of those who have the responsibility to lead us as we prepare to build on the vision that is before us. Let not the prospect of change be an occasion for fear and confusion, but rather a time to build trust and increase understanding that Christ’s love may be made known between us and among us that your will may be done.
Amen

Prayer for a Time of Hunger

God our sustainer, we ask you to pour your powerful Spirit into all who are empty this day: Fill the hearts of persons who are troubled. Fill the minds of men and women who are confused. Fill the stomachs of your children who are hungry. Fill the souls of people who are feeling lost. Fill the lives of all who need you, but do not know you. May your Spirit fill us all to overflowing, dear Lord, and may we be inspired to share our abundance with others, so that there will be no more empty hearts and minds, stomachs and souls. We pray all this in the name of Jesus Christ, who fills lives with your endless grace. Amen.

Bread for the World is a Christian organization that is trying to rid the world and this county of hunger. Fuel is not the only commodity increasing in price. Food is becoming more expensive because fuel costs are increasing. This is causing a major problem for the poorest of our country.

Bread for the World is a collective Christian voice urging our nation’s decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad. By changing policies, programs and conditions that allow hunger and poverty to persist, we provide help and opportunity far beyond the communities in which we live.

They need help. For more information go to www.bread.org. or call (800) 82-BREAD.

Cyclone Victims in Myanmar Need Help

           Episcopal Relief and Development has been working with Anglican and ecumenical partners for several years in Myanmar.   They rely on these relationships to address the immediate needs of victims such as food, water, and shelter. Once the crisis has passed, Episcopal Relief and Development will continue to work with partners to develop long-term recovery plans to rehabilitate communities and restore livelihoods. However, they need our help now for immediate assistance.
           They are requesting only two things: 1) Pray - The Burmese people need our prayers!!!!! 2) Give - we can all help by providing life-saving food and other emergency supplies for those directly impacted by the cyclone.
             Episcopal Relief and Development/Myanmar & Cyclone Response
P.O. Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116…..For more information contact Jean in the office.

IN MEMORIUM

St. Luke's said good bye to two long time friends;

                               Anna Josephine Adams passed away on March 6, 2008. She was born in
                               Garfield Arkansas on April 29, 1924

                               Winfield G. Nantais passed away on April 30, 2008. He was born in
                               Windsor, Ontario, Canada on October 22, 1918.

They will both be missed greatly.

CENTERING PRAYER AT ST. LUKE’S
Every Friday, 12:15 - 12:45 p.m.

Centering prayer is a new name for an ancient Christian tradition. It is the practice of focusing one’s attention on a single holy word or phrase for a period of time. As the attention moves away from the word or phrase (and it does!) one gently brings it back. The object is to simply spend time in the presence of God. One finishes with a moment or two of gratitude and the Lord’s Prayer. This will be offered at ST. Luke’s beginning May 9th.

THANK YOU

I would like to thank the members of St. Luke’s for all their prayers and phone calls concerning Theron’s health. As many of you know, he was in the hospital almost every week during the month of April. The last visit was the week of May 11th. He spent 3 days in ICU and the other days in a regular room. As a result, he came home very weak and now has to build up his muscle tone. He is walking with the aid of a cane and hopes soon not to have to use it. We are also having a Home Health Care Nurse come to the house about twice a week to check on his breathing and make certain that he doing his exercises. Once again, THANK YOU for all of your prayers.

Jean Middleton

MEN’S CURSILLO WEEKEND
The Men’s Cursillo Weekend for 2008 will be held at Grace Church, Astoria from the evening of July 10 through July 13. The theme of this Cursillo is “See everything has been made new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17. Cursillo weekends help prepare those who are called to Christian leadership through a structured discussion of the elements of apostolic mission, prayer, and worship. If you are interested in this “short course” in Christianity, inform a “Cursillista” who knows you. If you do not a Cursillista, ask your clergy to help you find one. For questions contact one of the leaders of this weekend: the rector, Pete Hoffman of Grace Church at 503-861-3290 or cdrpete@charter.net, or the vice-rector Martin Sherington of Good Shepherd, Vancouver, at 360-253-2213 or mdssls@yahoo.com. Also check the website: http://oregoncursillo.org/Cursillo/index.html. A link to forms for the Cursillo are at the bottom of the webpage.

DIVORCED, SEPERATED OR WIDOWED?
If you, a friend, or loved one are going through one of these difficult times of transition, there is a support group that meets regularly in Grants Pass that can give you the tools to help you survive and even flourish again. Often people in these situations are unsure of their feelings or what to do next; these tools will help you rebuild your life and enjoy healthier, happier relationships. Anonymity is a fundamental concept of this program. The non-denominational group meets Monday night from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at St. Anne’s in the Parish Hall, 1131 NE 10th St. There is no Charge to attend. For more information , call Susan Lee Hall or Les Hall at 955-1710 or David B. at 474-7574.

"There's more to life than increasing its speed."
- Gandhi

Join some fellow St. Lukers this September in the slow lane. We're camping out - but not roughing it. We have reserved two weekends for some fun at Camp Latgawa. The camp is owned by the Methodist church and located near Eagle Point. This beautiful facility has cabins and dormitory buildings complete with showers and running water! They
pride themselves on their fresh baked bread and offer full meal service in their mess hall. They have a beautiful natural rock waterslide, two creeks and even a solar heated pool. We're taking in nature. We're going to sing, and make music and play and loaf and enjoy God's creation and each other.

The second weekend, September 12-14 will be family camp weekend. I can bet that it won't be nearly as quiet in camp for that weekend. Eileen Widdison is the contact for that particular brand of fun.

Look for signs of camp activity in the near future. We will be
raising some money so that we can cover the costs for all who wish to
attend. Further details will be coming along to you shortly. Please
mark your dates for these weekends.

ST. LUKE’S WOMANS RETREAT
Come join the women of St. Luke’s for a week of enjoying the out-of-doors with friends. From Friday night, September 19th to Sunday afternoon the 21st at Camp
Latgawa in Eagle Point, just 75 minutes from Grants Pass. Enjoy hiking, meditation labyrinth, prayer time, fellowship time and all meals cooked for you with no clean up. For more information, contact Diane Leonard at 660-3023.

God created all the creatures of the earth. He gave the humans a responsibility to take care of the animals so they can be of service to and provide food for the humans.

When it comes to the animals that provide service, the first animals we think of are our pets; the furry creatures that provide us companionship, and joy.

With the coming months filled with nice weather and long days, we are inclined to include our four legged friends in the activities we participate in. This is one of the fun times of spring and summer. Going to the beach with your canine pal, or sitting on the porch with a feline friend are just two of the many things we can enjoy together with our animal companions. However, with the increase in the heat it is important that we be aware of the dangers the warmer weather can impose on our pets.

During these hotter months, we need to remember to leave our pets home in a cool area with plenty of water. When the weather gets warmer, 75 degrees or higher, it is dangerous for you pet to be in a vehicle, even if the windows are cracked. Vehicles can get very hot very fast, even if the sun is not out. A window down even 2 inches isn’t going to provide enough ventilation to keep their body temperature down to an appropriate level. And, because dogs and cats can’t sweat, they have no way of releasing body heat the way humans do. If a dog or cat is in a vehicle that gets too warm, they can die within a very short period of time from heat stroke.

Although your pet may miss going to the store with your, or running that errand in town, they will appreciate you more if you leave them at home on warm days. They will look forward to your return, and be healthier when you get there. Again, make sure they have plenty of fresh water and a way to get out of the direct sun when you leave. This way you both can enjoy your long lives together.

AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE

John Adams, who became America’s second president, was so elated when the United States was about to celebrate independence from England that he wrote:
“It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward, forevermore.”

ALL PARISH BARBEQUE PICNIC ON JULY 20.
On Sunday, July 20th we invite you to wear picnic garb to church, brings veggies and meats to grill for yourselves, a salad or chips or casserole to share with others, and a hearty appetite. Hot dogs will be provided for the kids, and beverages for all. The music at both services will feature songs we associate with Sunday School from years past. We may even have some church picnic games. Watch the Sunday bulletins for updates.

THE HISTORY OF FATHER’S DAY

Father's Day, contrary to popular misconception, was not established as a holiday in order to help greeting card manufacturers sell more cards.

In fact when a "father's day" was first proposed there were no Father's Day cards!

Mrs. John B. Dodd, of Washington, first proposed the idea of a "father's day" in 1909. Mrs. Dodd wanted a special day to honor her father, William Smart. William Smart, a Civil War veteran, was widowed when his wife (Mrs. Dodd's mother) died in childbirth with their sixth child. Mr. Smart was left to raise the newborn and his other five children by himself on a rural farm in eastern Washington state. It was after Mrs. Dodd became an adult that she realized the strength and selflessness her father had shown in raising his children as a single parent.

The first Father's Day was observed on June 19, 1910 in Spokane Washington.

At about the same time in various towns and cities across American other people were beginning to celebrate a "father's day.".

In 1924 President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a national Father's Day. Finally in 1966 President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father's Day.

Father's Day has become a day to not only honor your father, but all men who act as a father figure. Stepfathers, uncles, grandfathers, and adult male friends are all honored on Father's Day.